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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

I don't often allow my journal to go public, but feel that this cautionary tale is needed: I've been receiving medical treatments in a place that is about 150 miles from where I live. Because of this, I've been staying in an airbnb to keep costs down. The place is a room in someone's house. Last Monday, I received a message from the lady in whose house I have been staying (supposedly fully vaccinated, but I never saw her card). She was letting me know that she had tested positive for Covid. To be clear about this: She had known that she was ill and suspected that it was Covid and did not tell me or the other couple staying in her house so that we could take precautions (such as wearing a mask around her). She didn't bother to let us know that she had suspected Covid for a week. So now I think I may have Covid and am getting tested myself. Luckily, I didn't have much contact with people (other than treatment) and no contact without a mask. On my side, I should have worn a mask around her from the beginning, because with the delta variant, who knows. But (like other people), wearing a mask all the time is inconvenient and also fairly uncomfortable. I feel incredibly stupid, but think it is worth it to get this out there -- if you don't know a person, or if someone in your household works in a place with other people, they need to mask up -- definitely at work (my landlady didn't do this) and possibly, in the house. People in service jobs: don't just blindly follow CDC guidlines. Inform yourselves and stay safe. This lady knew she had people in her house that were being treated for medical problems and also knew that she herself had an underlying condition that made getting covid a real risk for her. Yet, in a service job (and I'll bet while traveling), she did not wear a mask. That is simply crazy. Protect yourself and others around you. I hate wearing a mask, but wear one on the bus, when I go into a store, at the farmer's market and any place where things might get crowded. I note that others don't do this. A mask makes my nose and face itch and right now I have an inflammatory condition that makes it painful to wear. I wear it anyway. I should have worn it in this lady's house, but didn't. That wasn't very smart. If you have visitors or are renting out rooms, you should warn people to wear masks and wear one yourself. Most of the people I see in service jobs wear masks, but if you are working in a service job and aren't, you are putting yourself at risk, regardless of vaccination status. Wear your damn mask!!!! At the least, it will protect you during flu season.